GLENDALE, Ariz., Jan. 3 (UPI) -- Kurt Warner threw two touchdown passes Saturday and Arizona topped Atlanta 30-24 in an NFC wild card contest.
The Cardinals (10-7) had not competed in a home playoff contest since the franchise was located in Chicago in 1947.
Forgotten running back Edgerrin James ended with 16 carries for 73 yards.
Tim Hightower scored once, while the defense added a touchdown and a safety for the NFC West champion Cardinals, who were making their first playoff appearance since they upset Dallas in the opening round in 1998.
Atlanta rookie Matt Ryan, in the face of a fierce rush, completed 26-for-40 passes for 199 yards and two touchdowns.
Roddy White scored once on 11 catches for 84 yards, but Michael Turner was held to 42 yards on 18 carries with one touchdown for the Falcons (11-6), who made their first post-season appearance since the 2004 season.
They had three straight non-winning seasons before this year's unexpected improvement.
